Somewhere between the announcement that it has sold 30,000 Hybrid vehicles in Europe since 2005 and that the IS F will make its European premiere at the Frankfurt Show, Lexus added that it’ll premier the 2008 GS 450h. Why the secrecy all of a sudden guys? Anyway, according to the telegraphic release, the upgraded GS 450h will be launched later this year, featuring subtly re-designed front headlights and improved interior details while it can also be ordered with an electronically activated active stabiliser system in combination with runflat tyre technology.

However, a closer look at the image that Lexus supplied reveals that the 2008 GS 450 h -and consequently, the whole GS range, will also feature a redesigned front bumper and new door mirrors with integrated side indicators. You can compare the images of the 2007 and 2008 year models after the jump. -Continued: Click “Read More...” below

Lexus leading the way in hybrid technology

• Lexus is the only premium brand to display a comprehensive range of full hybrids, available today. Nearly 30,000 Lexus equipped with Lexus Hybrid Drive have already been sold in Europe since 2005.

• The European market launch of the Lexus LS 600h exceeds expectations with orders surpassing forecasts.

• Lexus introduces an active stabiliser system for the upgraded GS 450h to further enhance the driving dynamics of the world’s first performance hybrid sedan.

In response to customer demand and growing environmental concerns, Lexus has introduced an entire range of Lexus Hybrid Drive models: the RX 400h, the world’s first performance hybrid SUV, the performance hybrid GS 450h sedan and the company’s hybrid flagship, the LS 600h / LS 600h L.

All three models are equipped with a ‘full hybrid’ system, which undoubtedly represents a cleaner, more sophisticated and powerful alternative in their respective segments. Since 2005, Lexus Hybrid Drive has been the preferred choice for nearly 30,000 Lexus customers. In Western Europe, over 50% of GS customers and over 80% of RX customers opt for Lexus Hybrid Drive.

“Customer interest in the premium segment for hybrid technology has exceeded our expectations”, says Karl Schlicht, Vice President Lexus Europe. “Enthusiasm for the recently launched LS 600h has surpassed our initial forecasts. This shows that customers have increasingly come to accept and demand the real benefits of full hybrid technology.”

With the LS 600h, GS 450h, RX 400h and IS F on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Lexus demonstrates a model range that clearly derives from the company’s pursuit of perfection, and its aim to continuously push the limits of automobile engineering, by delivering vehicles with the highest standards in advanced pre-crash safety, ultimate comfort, sophisticated performance and exceptional driving characteristics while minimizing both fuel consumption and emissions.

LS 600h

The new Lexus LS 600h is the highest expression of current automobile technology. Its 5 litre V8 employs Lexus’ unique D-4S dual (port and direct) fuel injection and VVT-iE intake system to boost performance while lowering emissions, noise and vibration. These engine characteristics are further refined by the Lexus Hybrid Drive system. A dualstage, electronically controlled continuously variable transmission provides the LS 600h with smooth, linear power delivery and seamless acceleration. It is matched to all-wheel drive with a central mechanical TORSEN® Limited Slip Differential, to deliver excellent handling and stability in every aspect of high performance driving. This sophisticated combination delivers the performance of a normally aspirated V12 with a combined fuel consumption of 9.3 l/100km and CO2 emissions of 219 g/km, which compare well to the cleanest, entry-level diesels in this segment.

In addition, the LS 600h L is Lexus’ first ever long wheelbase version, offering rear seat entertainment and relaxation that includes a reclining massage seat with a leg- and footrest, an unprecedented feature in this segment

GS 450h

The GS 450h is the world’s first performance hybrid sedan. Traditional front engine with rear-wheel drive lays the foundations for real driving performance, while its 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine was the first in the segment with D-4S dual fuel injection for increased engine efficiency and performance. The GS 450h returns 7.9 l/100km in the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of just 186 g/km – among the lowest in the segment. The upgraded GS 450h will be launched later this year, featuring subtly re-designed front headlights and improved interior details. It can also be ordered with an electronically activated active stabiliser system in combination with runflat tyre technology.

RX 400h

The RX 400h revolutionized the premium SUV segment by offering a unique combination of high performance (200 kW/272 DIN hp system output), reduced fuel consumption (8.1 l/100 km in the combined cycle) and low CO2 emissions (192 g/km).

IS F

The IS F is the high performance version of the acclaimed IS model. Its sports tuned 5 litre V8, coupled to the world’s only 8-speed Direct Sport Shift (DSS) transmission, delivers over 400 DIN hp and over 500 Nm of torque. The 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 4.9s. A governed top speed of 270 km/h together with CO2 emissions of 285 g/km, position the IS F as one of the strongest yet cleanest sport sedans in its segment. The official Lexus press conference will take place on Tuesday, September 11th, at 16.00h in Hall 8.